Customer Reviews

Petlyakov Pe-2 in action - Aircraft No. 181

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The backbone of Russia's medium-bomber force in WWII, the Pe-2 entered service in the spring of 1941. At its height, Pe-2s accounted for 75% of all USSR twin-engined bombers in operation, over 11,000 'Peshkas' being produced. Continually improved during the war, the Pe-2 was an aircraft much-feared by the Axis forces on the Russian front. Its development and combat history are summarized in this Squadron/Signal title authored by the prolific Hans-Heiri Stapfer.

Modified from a high-altitude escort fighter concept, the Pe-2 was barely in service when Germany invaded in June 1941. Consequently early Pe-2 ops weren't very successful although the aircraft's speed impressed Luftwaffe fighter pilots. By December 1941 Russian aircrews had mastered the Peshka and thereafter used it to devastating effect throughout the war in deadly 'Carousel' circle-and-dive attacks, etc.

Not so long ago, photographic material on Soviet WWII aircraft was extremely limited and of poor quality. That's why Stapfer's book is such a delight since it includes over 100 nicely-reproduced photographs of various Peshka models, aircrew, weapons, etc. along with plan views and two pages of Don Greer color side-views.

In short, this book is a nice, inexpensive introduction to one of Russia's most significant WWII warbirds. Recommended.

*****
For the definitive Pe-2 story, check out Peter C. Smith's 2003 PETLYAKOV PE-2 (PESHKA).